What Is the Difference Between Premises Liability and Slip and Fall?

In premises liability claims, a property owner generally failed to make their property safe and secure for any visitors, customers, or clients to the property. A slip and fall accident is just one type of such premises liability claims, and others can include:

• Inadequate maintenance
• Dog bites and animal attacks
• Negligent security leading to assault and attacks
• Elevator accidents
• Swimming pool accidents
• Fires
• Exposure to toxic chemicals

While there can be many examples of premises liability claims, they typically all involve unsafe conditions and negligence by the property owner or representative. In other words, if you come to harm due to your own inattention or carelessness, you generally do not have a premises liability claim against a property owner. The best way to find out whether you have a claim is to consult the office of a premises liability attorney who can determine whether you have legal recourse.

The Consequences of Slip and Fall Accidents

Suffering injuries in a slip and fall accident or another type of premises liability incident can be painful, traumatizing, and expensive for a victim. Falls can have devastating consequences, particularly on the overall health of older adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Figures from the agency show that 95% of hip fractures are caused by falls, with falls leading to over 800,000 hospitalizations annually, mostly due to head injuries and hip fractures.

Serious injuries may need long-term medical treatments and can cause various expenses and financial losses for an accident victim, including medical bills, wage losses, and others. Some of the more serious injuries that arise in slip and falls can include:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

Head and brain injuries in falls can change the lives of victims forever, potentially causing lifelong cognitive problems. A severe traumatic brain injury can cause seizures, amnesia, difficulty concentrating, and other chronic health problems.

Bone Fractures

Slip and falls can lead to debilitating and serious fractures, such as pelvic bone or hip breaks, that may require surgeries and long-term rehabilitative therapy. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), bone breaks can also have consequences on the mental health of accident victims, who may become fearful of falling again and limit their activities accordingly.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Common soft tissue injuries in falls can involve the muscles, ligaments, and tendons and may include sprains and dislocations, among other injuries. Soft tissue injuries can limit a person’s range of motion considerably and may need a lengthy recovery period as well as medical treatments and physiotherapy.

Spinal Cord and Nerve Injuries

Serious spinal and nerve injuries can be permanent and debilitating. Figures provided by the Mayo Clinic show that approximately 31% of spinal cord injuries are caused by falls. If an individual’s spinal cord was severed or seriously damaged in a fall, they may end up paralyzed for life.

While falls can have devastating and traumatic consequences, it is important to note that victims generally have legal recourse if a fall happened due to the negligence of the property owner. Individuals could potentially receive compensation for any medical expenses, income loss, future loss of earning capacity, past and future suffering, and other damages.

For a free legal consultation, call (855) 605-2959

Dangerous Conditions on Properties

Owners of public as well as private properties are generally required to ensure adequate maintenance and security on their premises. If an individual comes to harm due to a hazardous or unsafe condition, they could have legal recourse. Unsafe conditions can include, among others:

• Broken flooring
• Wet and slippery floors
• Uncovered manholes and potholes on the property
• Broken or missing steps
• Inadequate lighting
• Blocked emergency exits
• Lack of security cameras
• Lack of trained security personnel

There can be many other unsafe conditions that could potentially lead to a premises liability claim. A premises liability lawyer can assess your accident and inform you of your legal rights and options in your specific case.

A Premises Liability Lawyer Can Help

High Stakes Injury Law can potentially assist if you or a loved one came to harm on someone else’s property. Some of the ways in which we could help you include completing and filing the required paperwork for your case and calculating and proving your damages.

You do not have to deal with a potentially complicated and stressful lawsuit on your own. Call High Stakes Injury Law now for a free, no-obligation consultation with a dedicated team member by dialing (702) 707-5934.

Call or text (855) 605-2959 or complete a Free Case Review form